Selecting The Right Moving Company For You

When selecting a professional moving company to move your belongings

, consider this: what am I willing to leave behind when I move? Ask yourself this question, because if you pick the wrong company, you could be doing just that. Your possessions, in the wrong hands, could be damaged, lost or destroyed. So, do your homework. Below are some criteria you should consider as you begin your moving company research:

Cost - Yes, cost is important, especially in today's economy, but it is certainly not the only factor to consider. Remember the old adage, "you get what you pay for"

References - Ask your family, friends and colleagues for recommendations;

Insurance - A low price is no bargain if your treasured heirlooms are uninsured. Licensed movers are required to provide limited liability coverage at no additional cost; also, you can generally purchase additional coverage for an extra premium;

Better Business Bureau (BBB) - The BBB is a private organization that attempts to mediate disagreements between businesses and consumers. They can be a good resource to measure a moving companys reputation. You can contact the BBB to find out how many complaints have been filed regarding a particular moving company, and how quickly those complaints have been responded to/resolved. The mark of a good company is one who responds quickly to any complaint/problem;

Storage Facilities - If your belongings are going to be put into a storage facility (instead of being immediately delivered to your new residence), with whom does your moving company contract their storage services? What do you know about the storage company and their facilities? Are they climate-controlled? Is there on-site management? 24-hour security? The answer to these questions is as important as the moving company you choose, so do your research;

Licensing - Moving companies must adhere to both federal and state level licensing and insurance requirements before they are allowed to transport your valuables anywhere in the US. However, insurance and licensing can lapse, be revoked, or the movers may have simply not renewed on time. If you have any questions about the moving company you are considering for your relocation, take a moment to verify the status of your potential mover.

Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Worker's Compensation - Be certain the moving company you choose carries worker's compensation insurance. Failure to hire a licensed company with this insurance means the liability of the workers is transferred to you;

Moving Staff - Are the movers who will show up at your door permanent staff or temporary help? Look for moving companies who guarantee their staff is drug/alcohol-free;

Rates - Does the moving company you are considering offer binding estimates (rates) based on the cubic feet being transported? Does the company offer different rates for local, intra and inter-state moves?

The bottom line: Yes, most things can be replacedbut wouldn't it be easier if they didn't have to be?

by: Winnie Hsiu

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